Private car transfer from Seville to Lisbon

Car trip from Seville to Lisbon

A car trip from Seville to Lisbon isn’t just transportation between two of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in Iberia. Driving is the best way to get from Seville to Lisbon because you can experience even more local culture, and enrich your trip with sightseeing stops that you can’t get when you use a plane or bus for transportation (the train is 10 hours, so not recommended).

From Seville, you have two options on how to get to Lisbon. Head north, and you’ll be transported into Iberia’s ancient past. Stop at the Archaeological Ensemble of Italica to stroll the ancient Roman avenues, and marvel at the amphitheater, which was featured in Game of Thrones and was one of the largest in the Empire, accommodating up to 25,000 spectators. Or visit Merida, the former Roman capital, which now has the largest extant collection of Roman ruins in all of Spain. Then there’s the well-preserved Moorish architecture in Badajoz or the UNESCO-listed walled city of Elvora where Roman ruins, medieval fortifications, and Renaissance ossuary are all contained within historic walls.

About Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, is one of the oldest in Europe, having been founded by pre-Celtic tribes before the Phoenecians arrived. From a far-flung outpost at the edge of the known world, Lisbon became the base for Portuguese exploration in the 15th century, which brough unimaginable wealth to the city. A devastating earthquake in 1755 leveled much of the city, so Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, rebuilt the city center in an open rectangular plan with two main plazas. These mark Lisbon’s two main districts: the central commercial district, with cafés, theaters, and restaurants, and the port which welcomes returning ships with an impressive triumphal arch. From there, Lisbon stretches across a series of rolling hills overlooking the Tagus River.

Each neighborhood has its own unique identity, from seaside Belem with its iconic Torre de Belem tower to Mouraria, the Moorish quarter that survived the 1755 earthquake. With the famous São Jorge Castle standing watch over the city high in Alfama, and the Monastery of Jerónimos on the opposite side of the city, visiting the top sights in Lisbon may seem like a daunting task. But fortunately, Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams make it easy to move between neighborhoods. Tram 28 in particular brings you to historic areas like Graça and Alfama. The tram ride is an attraction in itself, with captivating scenes rolling by at every hairpin turn as the tram cuts through the cobbled stone streets.

From Seville to Lisbon: Travel tips

If you decide driving from Seville to Lisbon best suits your transportation needs, we have some essential travel tips to make the most of your journey.

Selecting a reputable car service is crucial

Opt for a provider like Daytrip, that offers a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers who can navigate Lisbon’s narrow, hilly streets with ease. This will ensure your comfort and safety, as well as provide an opportunity to gain local insights during your ride. Using a reputable service also guarantees the price and travel time up front.

Timing is key

The drive usually takes about 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic and the time of year. To avoid congestion and enjoy a more leisurely ride, consider departing early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re planning on sightseeing on the way, starting early also ensures you’ll beat the crowds at the more popular attractions (just don’t go too early when things are closed).

How to get from Seville to Lisbon

You have quite a few options for how to get from Seville to Lisbon, ranging from public transportation to a private driver. Which is the best way depends on your travel preferences.

From Seville to Lisbon by train

There is no direct train from Seville to Lisbon. Can purchase tickets at Seville Santa Justa Train Station to Lisboa Santa Apolonia station, but on the way, you’ll have short connections in Merida, Badajoz, and Entroncamento. It is best to buy your tickets in advance online because the initial train you need to take from Seville to Badajoz only has one daily departure at 9:50 AM. The train from Seville to Lisbon is operated by Intercidades and Alfa Pendular, and costs around €58. With all the transfers, the trip takes 9 hours and 45 minutes (or longer). If you simply must ride a train, a better option is to take a bus from Seville to Faro, and then the train from Faro to Lisbon. Trains have bathrooms on board and usually offer a dining car.

From Seville to Lisbon by bus

To travel from Seville to Lisbon by bus, there are about 20 departures a day to choose from. You can hop on the bus from the Sevilla Estrada Santa Justa or Plaza De Armas, Seville, and depending on which operator you choose, be let off at the Sete Rios or Oriente bus stations in Lisbon. Buses run from 7:00 AM until 23:59, with 4-6 buses leaving between 7 AM and 8 AM. The bus from Seville to Lisbon is operated by Alsa, with bus tickets from Seville to Lisbon costing between €15-€35 for the 6.5 to 8-hour trip. All options offer direct service from Seville to Lisbon.

Things to do when you get to Lisbon

When you arrive in Lisbon you’ll find it’s an exciting modern capital on par with Europe’s other major cities with a rich history. After dropping off your luggage at your accommodation, take a ride on Tram 28 into the old Alfama district. This scenic tram ride is the perfect way to get your first taste of Lisbon. It leaves you at the foot of the Estrela Basilica, one of Lisbon’s largest churches and most beautiful monuments. From here, dive into the Alfama district’s winding warren of cobbled streets. Dating back to the Moors, it’s the oldest part of the city, with historic monuments aplenty, from the great Lisbon Cathedral to the remains of the old city walls. The crowning landmark here though is St George’s Castle. Dominating the Alfama District, the foundations of Lisbon’s most visible landmark date back to the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Today, the castle shows the influence of the city’s subsequent rulers, from the Berbers to the Reconquista knights, and its ramparts offer amazing views of the city below.

From the heights of Altama, head down to the beaches of Belem. Along with swimming and enjoying Lisbon’s perpetually perfect weather, it’s here you’ll find the Torre de Belem, which has commanded the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. Its fusion of every architectural style, from Romanesque to Moorish, Mudejar to Gothic, combined with its picturesque location in the waters of the Targus has made the Torre de Belem perhaps the single most iconic monument in Lisbon. While you’re down by the water, be sure to head to the huge Lisbon Oceanarium. One of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe, you’ll find 16,000 creatures from 450 species. It’s one of only a few aquariums in the world where you’ll be able to see an ocean sunfish (mola mola).